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Drought plagues southwest China
Worst dry spell in more than 60 years costing national economy nearly $3bn.
Last Modified: 21 Mar 2010 08:24 GMT

More than 50 million people in southwestern China are being affected by the worst drought in 60 years.

In some places, it is the worst drought in a century, and forecasters see no sign of it abating soon.

IN DEPTH

 

China's creeping sands
By Frank and Andreas Sieren

State media says the drought has cost the national economy nearly $3bn and left more than 20 million people without adequate access to drinking water.

The five-month dry spell has drastically affected the autonomous region of Guangxi, the megacity of Chongqing, and the province of Sichuan.
 
But the provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou have experienced the most severe conditions.
 
Al Jazeera's Harry Fawcett reports from a village near the town of Yiliang in Yunnan province. 

Source:
Al Jazeera
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